Measuring Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is not easily measured.  New lessons must be learned, and old ones must be repeated in new situations in order for them to be applied firmly to the heart. Sometimes I wonder if there is any progress. For every line in the following poem that is true in my heart, I know I am growing leaps and bounds, even if it is taking a long time.

Once it was the blessing,

Now it is the Lord;

Once it was the feeling,

Now it is His Word;

Once His gifts I wanted,

Now the Giver own;

Once I sought for healing,

Now Himself alone.

Once it was busy planning,

Now it’s trustful prayer;

Once it was anxious caring,

Now He has the care;

Once it was what I wanted,

Now what Jesus says;

Once it was constant asking,

Now it is ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working,

His it hence shall be;

Once I tried to use Him,

Now He uses me;

Once the power I wanted,

Now the Mighty One;

Once for self I labored,

Now for Him alone.

All in all forever,

Jesus will I sing;

Everything in Jesus,

And Jesus everything.

A.B. Simpson